By Wednesday, all roads in Bellevue had reopened after several closures due to flooding earlier in the week. However, Newport Way in unincorporated King County, remains closed indefinitely because of a large sinkhole.

The affected section is in the 16600 block of Newport Way, not far from Bellevue city limit. The road is closed at 164th Avenue Southeast in the eastbound direction and at Lakemont Blvd. in the westbound direction, with local access to Southeast 42nd Place.

Traffic has been detoured south on 164th Avenue Southeast; at 150th Avenue Southeast, trucks and other through traffic are being detoured onto eastbound Interstate 90.

Since Sunday, Bellevue received more than 5 inches of rain (the average rainfall for the entire month of December is 8 inches). Combined with melting snow, the rains inundated Bellevue's storm drainage system, resulting in flooding on public and private property.

The forecast Wednesday called for dry weather through Saturday.

Regionally, Interstate 5 remained closed in both directions Wednesday due to the flooding earlier this week. Consult the state Department of Transportation for information on highway flooding.

Often the reason a street floods is that leaves are clogging storm drains. A public service announcement video offers tips on clearing storm drains near your property. City staff will continue to monitor stream levels and road conditions. Sandbags have been filled and are now back to pre-storm levels.

Safety tips during rain storms:

If you have a life-threatening situation, call 911.

To report flooding at your home or business, hazardous road conditions, down or damaged stop or yield signs, please call Bellevue Utilities 24-hour emergency number 425-452-7840.

To report gas leaks, power outages and down power lines, please call Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current can travel through water.

Remember that during a storm it's normal for streams to rise and that some parking lots and parks are designed to fill with water. However, do not walk through these flooded areas. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

If a road is flooded, do not drive through the water, as the water may be deeper than it appears. Never drive past a barricade.

If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible and walk back to higher ground.

Have a backpack or duffel bag ready in a closet close to the door in case you need to evacuate. Some items to include are bottled water, first aid kit, warm weather-proof clothing, food, battery operated radio and extra batteries, sleeping bag or blankets and prescription medication.